PH Travel Agencies Admit It’s More Expensive to Travel Locally Than Abroad

It is now officially cheaper to fly to Bangkok than it is to holiday in your own backyard. Local travel agencies have finally admitted that the high cost of electricity, water, and taxes has made the Philippines too expensive for Filipinos. Instead of exploring local islands, many are choosing to leave the country simply because their salaries go further abroad.

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is now acknowledging this crisis. They are currently drafting a position paper to lobby the government for lower taxes, hoping that reducing the cost for resorts and airlines will finally bring down the prices on your booking screen.

Also read: Cheap Domestic Flights Needed as Philippines Ranks Last in Southeast Asia Tourism

Why travel costs in the Philippines are higher than Thailand or Vietnam

The struggle to keep tourism competitive comes down to basic overheads. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted that hotel owners are struggling with the high price of utilities and waste management. These operational costs, combined with heavy taxation, mean that a room in a Philippine resort often costs significantly more than a similar stay in Vietnam or Thailand.

To combat this, the PTAA is pushing for specific changes to the current system. They are actively lobbying the Department of Finance to lower the tax burden on travel-related businesses to ensure that savings are passed on to the public. They are also urging airlines to expand their fleets to increase passenger capacity, which naturally helps to lower individual ticket prices. Furthermore, the industry is using the upcoming Travel Tour Expo to bypass high seasonal rates with massive, direct discounts for walk-in customers.

Also read: ₱22,000 Just to See Siargao? PAL’s “Discounted” Flights Spark Backlash

How to find cheap flights and hotels at the PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2026

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The industry is attempting to win back locals by hosting the Travel Tour Expo 2026 at the SMX Convention Center from February 6 to 8. With over 800 booths, the event is a direct attempt to stop Filipinos from booking overseas trips by offering the lowest domestic rates of the year.

Because many families cannot afford to pay for a holiday in one go, the expo will feature 24-month installment plans at zero percent interest. This allows you to pay for your flights and hotels in small monthly amounts that match your cash flow, rather than draining your savings all at once.

PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2026 dates, ticket prices, and location

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If you are tired of being priced out of local destinations, you can check the offers yourself at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The event runs from February 6 to 8, 2026, and is located at the heart of the Mall of Asia Complex. General admission is priced at ₱100, while senior citizens and PWDs can enter for ₱80. As a bonus for certain travelers, BPI and Robinsons Bank cardholders can enter the venue for free just by showing their cards.

This event is a major test for the industry. If these discounts don't work, more Filipinos will likely continue to spend their hard-earned money in other countries where the cost of living and vacationing is much lower.

As the cost of living continues to rise, finding affordable ways to travel is a top priority for Filipinos. PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2026 is a practical solution for those looking to save on their next holiday without having to leave the country. By taking advantage of the promo rates and installment plans, you can support local tourism while keeping your budget intact.

Featured image credit: Canva Pro